Rory McIlroy signs TaylorMade equipment deal
By James Savage
Rory McIlroy has joined the TaylorMade family claiming the move will help him reach the next level and win more majors.
The 28-year-old first posted a picture with a TaylorMade tour bag with his name on it then later announced the deal at a PGA Tour press conference ahead of the Players Championship.
TaylorMade were the first brand McIlroy went to after Nike announced they were leaving the golf hardware business.
He put the 2016 M2 driver and fairway wood she into play towards the end of the year.
Proud to join the @TaylorMadeGolf family. New Bag. New Clubs. New Ball. #ThePlayers https://t.co/rAWiqGKJXW pic.twitter.com/J2w7haZPZP
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) May 9, 2017
But for the start of the 2017 season it was the Callaway GBB Epic Sub Zero and Titleist Pro V1x ball which he felt was the best combination.
McIlroy also plumped for some Callaway Apex Proto irons, Titleist Vokey SM6 wedges and an Odyssey putter.
But now in a 14-club deal reported to be worth $100m, he’ll use the 2017 M2 driver, M2 Tour Fairways, Proto forged and P770 irons, Milled Grind Wedges and the TP5x ball.
The Northern Irishman had hinted at some equipment changes after the Masters where he complained about a lack of control in the wind.
The secret is out! Here's a better look at the irons we made for @McIlroyRory. Couldn't be more excited to for #TeamTaylorMade. #HearTheRors pic.twitter.com/fKe9TVfw9M
— TOMO BYSTΞDT (@bystedt) May 9, 2017
We’re still waiting for confirmation of the putter he’ll use at TPC Sawgrass after most recently gaming an Odyssey mallet with a micro-hinge insert.
He joins the likes of Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose and Jason Day in using the combination of M driver and TP5 ball.
At the start of the year McIlroy said he was happy to keep testing out new equipment but after spending time with the TaylorMade team he has now settled on a set-up he’s happy with.
Welcome to the family, Rory. #TeamTaylorMade pic.twitter.com/rTvMWcOEdx
— TaylorMadeGolfEurope (@TaylorMadeTour) May 9, 2017
“I came to the conclusion that this was the best way forward for me to win more majors,” McIlroy said.
“My future rests firmly in my hands — that’s why I choose TaylorMade. I’ve been around the game long enough and I’ve seen everything, but I have never been as excited about equipment as I am right now.
“Hopefully it will take me to the next level.”
He also claimed the new TP5x ball was the best he’d ever hit.
Rory mentioned he's carrying a 1-iron this week. It's a TaylorMade UDI #1 that he told me is his "290 club." Must be nice. pic.twitter.com/R514cE3H42
— Jonathan Wall (@jonathanrwall) May 9, 2017
More information can be found on the TaylorMade website.
Equipment: TaylorMade 2017 M2 irons review – first hit
Equipment: TaylorMade 2017 M2 driver review – First hit
Equipment: TaylorMade 2017 M1 irons review – First hit
James Savage
Former equipment editor of NCG. Inconsistent ball-striker and tea-maker.
